<h1><font size="4">Too many college juniors making mistake by turning pro</font></h1> <p class="byline"><span class="time">2:53 pm</span> <span class="date">January 16, 2010,</span> by <span class="author">Jeff Schultz</span></p>
When the Falcons selected Matt Ryan with the third pick of the draft two years ago, any gamble associated with taking a quarterback that early was somewhat minimized by the development they had seen him make during his senior season at Boston College.</p>
As general manager Thomas Dimitroff said, "He is a perfect example of a guy who stayed in [school], got more work and matured at a level where we were happy with."</p>
On the flip side we have Jevan Snead. He is the captain of this year's, "What Are You Thinking?" class of juniors.</p>
Unprecedented numbers of juniors have declared themselves eligible for the draft. Snead didn't improve as a junior at Mississippi. He regressed. He threw as many interceptions as touchdowns: 20. In his final college game, the Cotton Bowl, he went 13 for 23 with zero TDs and three interceptions. Talk to some scouts and you're left believing he has "fifth round" stamped on his forehead.</p>
But like too many others, Snead - against the advice of his coach, Houston Nutt - is turning pro. Why? Fear. Fear of an NFL lockout in 2011 (long shot). Fear of a rookie wage scale beginning in 2011 (overstated); 3) Fear of injury (no worse this year than any other).</p>
More.
</p>
When the Falcons selected Matt Ryan with the third pick of the draft two years ago, any gamble associated with taking a quarterback that early was somewhat minimized by the development they had seen him make during his senior season at Boston College.</p>
As general manager Thomas Dimitroff said, "He is a perfect example of a guy who stayed in [school], got more work and matured at a level where we were happy with."</p>
On the flip side we have Jevan Snead. He is the captain of this year's, "What Are You Thinking?" class of juniors.</p>
Unprecedented numbers of juniors have declared themselves eligible for the draft. Snead didn't improve as a junior at Mississippi. He regressed. He threw as many interceptions as touchdowns: 20. In his final college game, the Cotton Bowl, he went 13 for 23 with zero TDs and three interceptions. Talk to some scouts and you're left believing he has "fifth round" stamped on his forehead.</p>
But like too many others, Snead - against the advice of his coach, Houston Nutt - is turning pro. Why? Fear. Fear of an NFL lockout in 2011 (long shot). Fear of a rookie wage scale beginning in 2011 (overstated); 3) Fear of injury (no worse this year than any other).</p>
More.
</p>
